Looking after trees and woodlands

Tree cover in the National Park is very low compared to the national average of about 9%. We have about 1.6% cover of broadleaves and 2% cover of conifer plantations but we are working on increasing these numbers.

Trees provide an important habitat for a wealth of wildlife, from their canopy foliage, buds, blossom through to the wood and bark of the branches, trunk and roots. Woodlands provide even more opportunities for birds, animals, insects, plants and fungi to thrive and even travel throughout the countryside.

They also contribute to the environment by providing oxygen, improving air quality and the climate, conserving water, and preserving soil, stopping erosion.

The social value of trees for a community or individual can not be overlooked. They are both beautiful and majestic; no two are the same with a seemingly endless variety of shapes, forms, textures and colours which even changes as the tree ages.  

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority can advise landowners on planting trees as well as managing woodlands, including preparing management plans, obtaining grants to undertake the work, and advise on suitable contractors to contact.  

The Trees and Woodlands Team also deals with all protected trees as well as advising on trees associated with development. We can provide advice about the health of your tree, advice on work and assist you with completing applications. We can also protect trees, where necessary, by using a Tree Preservation Order.